Nevada County, CA – The Child Abuse Prevention Council of Western Nevada County (CAPCWNC), Child Advocates of Nevada County, and Nevada County Arts Council have teamed up with local cities within Nevada County to honor and recognize the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month (CAP Month). Children who are raised in loving and supportive environments are more likely to grow up and help create secure, healthy communities and be more productive, prosperous community members. The national symbol for CAP month is a blue and silver pinwheel. The pinwheel is recognized as a lighthearted, joyful nature of childhood, signifying the goal of providing every child with a safe and happy upbringing.
Our Nevada County community will support Child Abuse Prevention Month with pinwheel displays in both Grass Valley and Nevada City throughout April. On the corner of East Main St. and Richardson St in Grass Valley, there will be colorful pinwheels in flower boxes, signs with information, and pinwheel gardens near the intersections along the street to signify the importance of this campaign. In Nevada City, along Argyl Way, flags will be hung from lampposts, banners will highlight the effort, and garden signs will be posted showing the community that we are united in the fight to end child abuse in Nevada County. Residents can also find pinwheel gardens throughout the county at the fire departments in Grass Valley and Nevada City, and at other businesses and community-based organizations.
The Child Abuse Prevention Council of Western Nevada County’s Community Support Network will kick off the month with a community meeting on April 2, 2025, at 3:30pm at the Madelyn Helling library.
During the meeting, there will be a panel comprised of individuals representing many aspects of child abuse prevention in Nevada County – youth, County staff, family-serving agencies, individuals associated with foster care, and others. Panelists will be answering questions and discussing opportunities for positive change. All participants will have an opportunity to network with other local family-serving agencies. The Child Abuse Prevention Council of Western Nevada County will be holding a logo design contest with local youth to help revamp its branding.
On behalf of the Nevada County Board of Supervisors, Chair Supervisor Hall will present a proclamation at the April 8th Board meeting declaring all of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. They will be joined by CAPCWNC Board Members and Nevada County Child Welfare Services, who will conduct a brief presentation.
Proclamations will also be presented for the cities of Grass Valley and Nevada City. Grass Valley will be on March 25th at 6:00pm at the Council Chambers, Grass Valley City Hall 125 East Main Street. Nevada City’s proclamation will be on March 26th at 6:30pm at City Hall 317 Broad Street in Nevada City.
Local businesses will be encouraged to participate and host a “Pinwheel Garden” in front of their locations. Local school classrooms will be creating pinwheels with their students, showcasing their creative spirit and celebrating happy, safe childhoods. For more information on how to get your school or business involved or to host a Pinwheel Garden at your business, please contact: CSNNC@gmail.org.
The Child Abuse Prevention Council East Nevada County will also be raising awareness in April. There will be pinwheels displayed throughout the Truckee area and residents are encouraged to wear Blue on Fridays. The Community Collaborative and Child Abuse Prevention Council of Eastern Nevada County will host a meeting featuring Child Welfare Services for networking and addressing the needs of the community.
Community members are invited to participate in these efforts as well. Everyone in the community plays an important role, and a community is needed to raise a child in a safe and healthy environment. Build the village, be the village, and sustain the village in your CAP Month efforts! April 4th will be “Wear Blue Day” and will be celebrated throughout the state. Nevada County residents are encouraged to wear blue in support of child abuse prevention – post your pictures online and tag #wearblue4kids, #supportbeforereport, and #ittakesavillage.